In collaboration with industrial designer William Lee; LEAN is a sculptural yet simple piece designed to bring purpose to a universally under-utilized space; the corner. The versatile piece stands alone as a sculptural element, but also has dual functionality as furniture. When upright in a corner, LEAN is a chair that gains structural support from its adjacent walls. Set on its side, it becomes a coffee table with negative spaces for books and magazines. Fabricated in plywood, LEAN comes in a two-tone color which reinforces its geometric shape. In metal, the thin sheets combine durability with elegance.

William Lee

Short for Hitching Post; this design was inspired by both previous and present Detroit landscapes. Borrowing directly from the automotive stamping metal process and coupling it with a need to improve the existing fodder of urban furniture churned out by local city authorities.

The concept challenges the value of banal street furniture. Leaning on the power of graffiti and public art to give rise to new forms. Each piece become a deliberate ACT, considering function, structure, context and infrastructure.

The method and process was derived through a series of studies. Originally designed in 2d paper sketch, then translated to 3d digital, chip board studies were laser cut to determine patterns. Final iterations were constructed using a CNC laser on 18 gauge steel.

Special thanks to Progressive Metals for their support.

Progressive Metal Manufacturing Co.

Influenced by themes of revival, nostalgia and nature, the trees have been returned to the focal point of light in the home as lamps. et al.'s found materials come not only from holiday trees, but also fallen from storms, and discarded from landscaping projects. Each of the trees is carefully stripped of its branches and pine needles, which are donated to a neighboring rooftop garden for mulch. The fLume lamps are minimalist and organic, staying true to form. The pieces are intended for display according to what suits their natural shape; table top, hanging and floor standing. Each piece is one of a kind and uses exposed filament bulbs of various shapes and sizes

We created a collection of cutting boards that unified design and function. An angled corner allows your ingredients to easily slide onto your pot or plate. The custom solid wood block is handcrafted, using edge grain and is available in Maple, Cherry and Velvety Oak.

The boards are aesthetically pleasing enough to be stored on the kitchen worktop but can easily removed for easy cleaning, typically wiped cleaned with a damp cloth.

An exploration in material fabrication techniques and a crash course in marketing and economic price points for a new upstart furniture company. The original philosophy for the design is based on a double skin concept; the interior layer holds the trash and the exterior layer acts as a light weight perforated support structure for the body of the can. Working directly with the proprietor and the prototyper, Et al.’s laser cut aluminum piece was constructed and exhibited at Detroit’s Re:View Contemporary Fine Art Gallery in 2009. Future iterations are in development composed from cast or formed plastic offering a more affordable price point.

Re:View Contemporary Fine Art Gallery

Lattice is a design-build shelving system composed of storage, display and a pull out sliding desk.

Through its organization the piece invokes a familiar contrast and tension. The tension between the synthetic and the natural, the machine made and the hand crafted; the contrast between something cold and something warm.

Inside a square steel tube frame with lateral cross bracing supports nine recycled oak planks turned shelves. Outside, a permeable laser cut plexi-glass grid, is suspended between diagonal aluminum 'H' channel panels.

Resulting in one very necessary (NYC) space saving system.

Tests and studies were conducted in order to understand the multiple effects of concrete surface with a variety of form-work. We derived a balanced aesthetic using clear plastic which would create a natural effect as the concrete cured. The metal connections were designed and tooled from one piece of metal. Each concrete curve was unique, although constructed with the same specifications, the overall movement effect was created by a 5 degree revolution. Adjustments of each 150 lb piece where possible through a metal threaded rod, used to connect and stabilize multiple curves.